With summer in full swing, we're all looking to new TV shows to help us with our lack of fun in the sun Yes, thanks to the advisory to keep our social distance still in effect, many of us are still avoiding the beaches, parks, and other outdoor havoc [So here's a list of new shows coming to Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and other streaming services this weekend
This is an eclectic, top-notch batch of new TV shows Celebrate Pride with a batch of queer-led Hulu "Love, Victor"; celebrate black culture and storytelling with ABC News' "Juneteenth" special or Lena Waithe's Showtime drama "The Chi"; Taste the Nation Celebrate diversity and immigration (and great food) with the food journey series "With Padma Lakshmi And celebrate Father's Day with a documentary about modern fathers
Here are our top selections of new shows to watch this week
Ryan Murphy's "The Politician" returns for some election shenanigans Peyton Hobart (Ben Platt) runs for office one by one in his quest to eventually become President of the United States In Season 1, Peyton won the election for high school student body president (though he was forced to resign in disgrace) In Season 2, three years later, Payton is a student at New York University He runs for State Senate against Majority Leader Dede Standish (Judith Wright) and her nefarious campaign manager Hadassah Gold (Bette Midler)
Dirty is not the word to describe the politics here Season 2 of "The Politician" has it: sex scandals Sex scandals Spicy lotions Couples If you thought season one was over-the-top, Murphy's show is going stratospheric
Streaming begins June 19 (10 episodes)
Pride Month is the perfect time to launch a TV series featuring a teen LGBTQ character The 2018 YA rom-com "Love, Simon" will inspire this spin-off series and introduce a Latino teen as the new protagonist Victor (Michael Cimino) moves from Texas to Atlanta and embarks on a journey of self-discovery While navigating life at Creekwood High, Victor searches for answers to questions about his identity and sexuality
Along the way, he seeks advice and support from Simon (Nick Robinson, reprising his role in the film) The film is a teen drama, with many struggles (high school sucks; it's a bad time to be a teenager) and a lot of heartache
Streaming (10 episodes)
The Top Chef host and judge has her own new show that sends her across the country to explore the food culture of various immigrant and indigenous communities Lakshmi will eat a burrito from El Paso, a Persian kebab from Los Angeles, octopus from San Francisco, and poke from Honolulu in 10 half-hour episodes
"Taste the Nation" wistfully recalls "Before Times," when we traveled to new lands and shared bread with friends and strangers Strange as it may seem to watch, it is also a vibrant celebration of diversity
Streaming begins June 18 (10 episodes)
Just in time for Father's Day, Apple TV Plus will offer this documentary by Bryce Dallas Howard in his feature directorial debut Through interviews with Howard's own father, director Ron Howard, and celebrities such as Will Smith, Neil Patrick Harris, Kenan Thompson, Ken Jeong, Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, and Hasan Minhaj, viewers will see firsthand the trials and tribulations of modern parenting
This documentary is a great way to learn more about the challenges of parenting
The documentary also highlights the stories of ordinary, everyday fathers in the United States, Japan, Brazil, and around the world who are not famous It's a heartwarming and positive program that makes you want to hug your dad (or send him a digital wave via Zoom)
Streaming begins June 19
This one-hour ABC News special will focus on the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the US, its history and legacy ABC News Live Prime anchor Lindsay Davis, Nightline co anchor Byron Pitts, The View moderator Whoopi Goldberg, and correspondents Deborah Roberts, TJ Holmes, Steve Osunsami, and Janai Norman
The special will include reports from Tulsa, Oklahoma; Galveston, Texas; and other cities It will also examine the fight for voting rights, the struggle to pass anti-lynching laws, and the spirituality and faith of the black community
Airs June 19 at 8 pm
Lena Waithe's drama about the everyday lives of people on Chicago's South Side returns for a new season with smart, raw storytelling Kandi Burruss ("Atlanta Wives") appears as Duda's (Curtis Cook) estranged wife She not only influences his political agenda, but also exercises her own agenda
In Season 3, "Kai" will turn a new page, as Jason Mitchell is no longer on the show (due to allegations of misconduct) However, we will see other familiar faces such as Jacob Lattimore as Emmett, Alex Hibbert as Kevin, and Michael Epps as Jake
Airs June 21 at 9 pm
What's old is new again, and what's new is old again Perry Mason has been a character in print and on screen for decades, but HBO puts a fresh and exciting spin on the hard-boiled investigator, with Matthew Rhys from The Americans as the fallen Perry, supported by a colorful cast of characters
The stage is set for a fresh and exciting take on the hard-boiled investigator
The setting is Los Angeles in 1932 The setting is Los Angeles in 1932, a prosperous city with an oil boom, a film industry, the summer Olympics, and a massive Christian revival Perry becomes embroiled in a sensational infant abduction case and finds himself contending with politicians, corrupt police, and an overzealous radio evangelist
Airs June 21 at 9 pm
Babies Season 2 (Netflix)
New infants around the world experience the joys and challenges of the first year of life (June 19)
The Floor is Lava (Netflix)
This supremely silly game show challenges teams to navigate an obstacle course without falling into liquid "lava" (June 19)
United We Sing: A Grammy Tribute to the Unsung Heroes (CBS)
Harry Connick, Jr hosts a celebration of essential workers (June 21, 8 pm)
2020 ESPYs
With sports on hiatus, this year's awards show will highlight stories of service, perseverance, and courage (June 21, 9pm)
Yellowstone Season 3 (Paramount)
The Dutton family continues to protect their ranch while dealing with the fallout of Tate's kidnapping (June 21 at 9 pm)
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